Thunderstorms forecast for most of NZ

9:00am Monday 03 Dec, 2018

Thunderstorms are expected to form over the South Island this afternoon.

Some of these may be severe with localised downpours, 25 to 40mm per hour and hail possibly larger than 20mm from the Nelson Lakes and south through the central South Island to inland Otago, Clutha and the east of Southland as indicated on the chart.

"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips," says the MetService.

​​​​​​​"Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, as well as make driving conditions hazardous."

This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts:

Marlborough

Nelson

Buller

Westland

Canterbury High Country

North Otago

Central Otago

Dunedin

Clutha

Southland

​​​​​​​In the North Island, thunderstorms are expected to form over the North Island this afternoon.

Some of these may be severe with localised downpours, 25 to 40mm per hour and significant hail accumulations from Waikato to Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, the east of Taranaki, the central high country and south to Wairarapa as indicated on the chart.

"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips."

This watch affects people in the following weather forecast districts: